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Woodridge volleyball team turns practice into fundraiser for Bolingbrook hospital

By SUBURBAN LIFE MEDIA

Nov. 13, 2013

Photo provided

Caption

Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation Executive Director Derek Cazeau (standing, far left)
poses with members of the St. Scholastica School eighth-grade girls’ volleyball team.
The team raised more than $600 for the Foundation during a “Serve-A-Thon.”

WOODRIDGE – Sometimes finding a way to make volleyball practice educational and fun is a challenge but when the St. Scholastica School eighth-grade girls’ volleyball team made a fundraiser out of practice, the girls found a way to combine both.

On Oct. 24, the Woodridge school's team hosted a “Serve-A-Thon” to raise money for the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation. For every serve made over the net, a parent, grandparent, community member or friend pledged to help with the cause.

The girls raised more than $600 for the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation, whose mission is to develop lifelong relationships with donors to secure philanthropic gifts that enhance and support the mission of Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital.

“We love seeing children who want to get involved with philanthropy,” said Derek Cazeau, executive director of the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation. “No matter who you are, how old you are or how involved you have been with the hospital in the past, you can always make a difference.

"These girls are an inspiration to other youth in their communities because of how selfless they were in finding a way to make a difference. We are blessed to have young philanthropists like this in our community.”

One player, Sarah Baran, came up with the idea for the fundraiser. She made 48 out of her 50 serves.

“Two of our teachers were diagnosed with breast cancer and they are now survivors,” Baran said. “They inspired us to give back because we know the money we raise will help others in need.”

Each teammate knows a friend or family member who received help at a hospital. This common story inspired the girls to give back.

“When the girls came up with the idea, we thought it was a great opportunity for the community,” said Brian Stankus, St. Scholastica School athletic director. “The girls were so excited to give back in a way they could all work together. It really shows how much these eighth-grade girls have grown together and how they can continue to inspire others.”

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